Living with Others

Living in residence means that you will be living in a diverse community where you will have the opportunity to meet new people and have some really great new experiences. In community, there are many benefits that come from living in this environment. Living in a community provides a sense of belonging and social support that you may not otherwise get living off-campus. In residence you can rely on your neighbours for help, advice, and companionship; there can be a sense of safety and security as there are many people having ownership over the shared space. Living with a diverse population can also provide opportunities to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Lastly, living in a community grants a sense of purpose that you are part of a community here at York—by living here, you are contributing to the community though your involvement!

Strategies for Successful Community Living

Here are some tips to be successful in this environment that we recommend:

  1. Communicate: Communication is key to living together respectfully. Be open and honest with your housemates about your needs and expectations and listen to their needs and expectations as well.
  2. Set boundaries: Discuss boundaries with your housemates, such as quiet hours, cleaning responsibilities, and other rules that you all agree on.
  3. Be considerate: Be considerate of needs and feelings. Keep noise levels down during quiet hours, clean up after yourself, and respect each other's privacy.
  4. Address conflicts: If conflicts arise, address them calmly and respectfully. Try to find a compromise that works for everyone.
  5. Respect differences: Everyone is different, and it's important to respect each other's differences. Be open to learning about different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles./li>
  6. Be proactive: Take proactive steps to prevent conflicts, such as setting up a cleaning schedule or discussing roommate expectations before moving in.

By following these strategies, you can create a respectful and harmonious living environment within your residence.

Navigating Conflict in Residence

Navigating Roommate & Suitemate Conflict

When living with others, there are times when you may have a different perspective or preference for how to live together; conflict is a natural experience when people come together to live in a community. When you find yourself experiencing frustration or a difference of opinion or living styles with someone, it is important that you don’t let those issues build up; address any points of tension early on to prevent conflict from escalating. Roommate Agreements and Suitemate Agreements are helpful tools for having these conversations; residents in double rooms and suites will complete an agreement at the start of the year.

One of the benefits of living in residence is developing the skills to navigate conflict and different living styles with compassion and empathy. Resolving roommate/suitemate conflict amicably is a testament to your growth. If you are looking for additional support and learning related to conflict mediation, reach out to your Don or consult the Osgoode Mediation Clinic , which provide free mediation services and conflict resolution training to York University students.

Residence Life Support for Conflict Resolution

Residence Life is available to provide support for residents experiencing conflict; however, Residence Life cannot solve your conflicts for you, and your meaningful participation in the resolution process is essential to a successful outcome. Before requesting a mediation or room transfer, residents are expected to make genuine efforts to resolve the conflict they are experiencing themselves (including the completion of a Roommate or Suitemate Agreement), with coaching available from their Don if needed. The Residence Conflict Resolution Process is outlined below:

Step 1: Talk It Out

Speak to your roommate or suitemate(s) about the conflict. Identify the issues, engage in a respectful dialogue to understand one another’s perspectives, and develop a shared plan for moving forward; your Roommate or Suitemate Agreement can be a handy tool for this conversation. If you are unsure how to approach the conflict, consult your Don for strategies you can use to resolve the conflict; however, your Don cannot resolve the conflict for you, and you are expected to make a genuine effort to resolve the issues you are experiencing with your roommate or suitemate(s), which may require multiples conversations with them.

Step 2: Participate in a Don-Facilitated Mediation

If you and your roommate or suitemate(s) have engaged in meaningful effort to resolve the conflict (including allowing a period of time for behaviours to change after reaching a compromise), you can request a mediation facilitated by your Don. After exploring how you and your roommate or suitemate(s) have worked to resolve the conflict, the Don will facilitate a dialogue to support a resolution for the conflict, which may include amendments to your Roommate or Suitemate Agreement. Note that successful mediation requires honest communication, empathy, and openness to compromise.

Step 3: Participate in an RLC-Facilitated Mediation

If you and your roommate or suitemate(s) have meaningfully engaged in the mediation process facilitated by your Don (including allowing a period of time for behaviours to change after the mediation), you can request a mediation facilitated by your Residence Life Coordinator (RLC); a completed Roommate or Suitemate Agreement is required before this process will be initiated. The priority for this process is to determine a reasonable, mutually agreed upon plan for residents to continue living together that addresses the conflict taking place; however, should the residents involved be unable to reach a compromise, the RLC may enact a room relocation.